A Short Guide to the Working Time Regulations

The Working Time Regulations (WTR) 1998 introduced rights and obligations relating to work and rest. They are the application of the EU Working Time Directive, aimed at ensuring workers in member states do not work excessive hours in their employment.

Everyone has to balance their lives between work and other commitments. The Working Time Regulations support this work life balance.

The WTR apply to both paid and unpaid work. Therefore the work an MSE (or any non-stipendiary minister) undertakes for a church, church organisation, chaplaincy or any other organisation - over and above their paid employment - falls within the scope of the WTR. Thus the WTR must be considered when drawing up and reviewing your working agreement as an MSE.

You can find a short guide to the Working Time Regulations by clicking here.